Sign up today for Post Pro Picks, The Post's free, weekly NFL pick 'em game, where you can win great prizes, form groups to play against your friends, see how you fare against our experts or just play for fun. Register at http://washingtonpost.com/pro-picks

Punter Smith Has One More Day to Recover

The Redskins plan to work out Hunter Smith (groin) on Saturday to determine whether he could handle punting duties this week against the Kansas City Chiefs at FedEx Field.

"We're going to make a decision tomorrow," Coach Jim Zorn said after practice at Redskins Park. "We're trying to give him one more day. Hopefully, the 24 hours will help in some way.

"We have the time to do that, so I'm going to take the time to do that. If he can go, if he punts and feels good, he's going."

Smith, who did not punt during practice today, was injured on his first punt in the 16-13 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. He then sat out the 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Redskins signed free-agent Glenn Pakulak, who averaged 35.6 net yards on five punts.

Pakulak was cut after the game and re-signed to the practice squad. If Smith cannot punt again this week, the Redskins would have to make a move to add him to the 53-man roster for the game.

More injury updates:

Defensive lineman Phillip Daniels (torn biceps) and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (elbow) practiced and are listed as questionable. If Daniels is unable to play because of the tear he suffered last week, rookie defensive end Jeremy Jarmon would start for him.

"I have a good feel about those guys," Zorn said of the veterans. "They both got some strength back in their arms." ...

Guard Chad Rinehart, demoted from the starting lineup after two games, might not be active for the second time in as many weeks, Zorn said. Although Rinehart has a sore left shoulder, he said he could play with the injury.

jm, 1-BILLION percent agreed, its just beyond stupid. CR played by all accounts fairly well, but somehow in 2 games of play, the genius's in the FO have determined that he can't cut it...ufb...what is wrong with these morons....

Ok, you can have Ice Cream, but you're going to have to eat two SJK Sandwiches. or - you don't have to eat any SJK Sandwiches, but you don't get Ice Cream.
...think of it like that.
..mebbe loosin' to Dallas isn't like eating an SJK Sandwich to you. It is to me.
Posted by: DikShuttle | October 16, 2009 2:14 PM

Hey, that’s like survivor last night……they had to drink what equated to sjk-milkshakes without puking, and the winners got to eat steak and brats. Anyway, I know it’s your opinion so it’s not wrong, it’s just that you are probably the only one up here who would rather beat Dallas than win the SB…..and seems to think that you will feel better about it for longer.

Everyone should send a letter asking Roger Goodell to talk with Dan Synder and ask him to change his way of running the team. Maybe if the Commissioner explains how angry the fan base is, maybe (a big maybe) something will change.

If 50,000+ letters start showing up maybe Dan will at least be embarrassed.

Everyone is incensed over the Rhinehart inactive (me, too), but let's question the wisdom of releasing a punter, re-signing an ancient defensive lineman, and then having to release someone else by the end of the week so you can re-sign the previously released punter. Anyone think this is stupid? Why not hold on to the punter until the end of the week when you could better determine if Hunter the Punter could play or not? All of this brought to you by the guys who have ignored offensive line depth on game days all season. This team is so stupid sometimes it makes my head hurt.

I don't believe for a second that he is hurt, or any more than the damage on any O-lineman.

I also think, after watching, that Will Montgomery deserves to start.

what I don't understand in the slightest is why you have the dude inactive. He is a borderline starter (on this team) on a line that sees in game switch ups every game. Why would you not have him suited up and ready to go in?

They must really have no faith in this kid

(Oh and can we not draft O-linemen from anything else then big conference Div I schools? Other positions sure, but O-line..I think you have to cull from the big programs.)

Report: Stacy Andrews punched fiancee
Posted by Josh Alper on October 16, 2009 9:47 AM ET
Eagles guard Stacy Andrews was reportedly involved in a domestic dispute during which he punched his fiancee in the face.

A report filed by police officers in Lumberton Township, New Jersey states that officers were called to a house on the afternoon of September 30th where they were met by Brandy Box, Andrews's fiancee. Box accused the offensive lineman of punching her in the face after a verbal dispute. Police took Andrews to the station, but was released after Box refused to file a restraining order or sign a complaint.

Andrews denied the accusations to the Philadelphia Inquirer on Thursday.

"I didn't hit her," Andrews said. "I'd be locked up and be in big doo-doo if I did."

Andrews said the couple is still together, but has not set a wedding date yet. The paper tried but could not get comments from Box, the Eagles or the chief of the Lumberton Township police department.

Given the current projections for players declaring for the draft, would it be better to 1) draft a top-flight QB and sit him for a year while the line is rebuilt over 2 years or 2) keep/find some moderately skilled QB and draft a LT with the first pick, followed by a Center, RT/RG?

I'm conflicted; I could make a case either way and curious what you guys think.

Posted by: AppleScience | October 16, 2009 12:27 PM

Tough choice. With Samuels done or nearly so and the rest of the o-line in shambles, drafting an LT is a must at some point. Although having the opportunity to draft a franchise QB doesn't come around often I'd lean towards taking an LT with the first pick. The skins are bad but I think there will be at least 6 teams picking in front of them (St. Louis, TB, Oakland, Cleveland, KC, Buffalo). I could see at least 4 of those teams being interested in a QB as well.

Everyone is incensed over the Rhinehart inactive (me, too), but let's question the wisdom of releasing a punter, re-signing an ancient defensive lineman, and then having to release someone else by the end of the week so you can re-sign the previously released punter. Anyone think this is stupid? Why not hold on to the punter until the end of the week when you could better determine if Hunter the Punter could play or not? All of this brought to you by the guys who have ignored offensive line depth on game days all season. This team is so stupid sometimes it makes my head hurt.

The OL issue has been inexplicable for a very long time -- with this week being among the most puzzling.

We've gone from 10 OL (11 if you count the practice squad guy) to 8 OL, with Thomas and Samuels out.

So who did the front office bring in to evaluate? Unless I missed something ... No One !!!

Plus, they are considering going into the game with 7 OL active? Heyer's been injured every year here. Monty and BMW have very little playing time so you don't know how they will hold up. Last year, we lost 3 OL in one game. Its not like this sort of problem hasn't happened before.

They had planned for Wynn to play this week, so doubt they release Wynn. It's important to have Rhino active because Williams spent most of preseason injured and Heyer hasn't made it through a season without being injured, so the likelihood that they are going to need some backup OL help is quite high. As poor as he played last game, Batiste is considered the backup tackle and Edwin Williams - who has never played in a regular season game - would be the backup guard & center. I would def want Rhinehart in the game.

Did Rhino even practice this week? From what JZ said on Wednesday they went with Montgomery because he could take the reps. I really think there are only 7 healthy OL on the team. Rhino isn't going to be a healthy scratch.

You've got that right. Bizarre. Peculiar. Stupid. Inexplicable. I remember Beathard used to have a constant stream of players coming in to be evaluated throughout the season. With so many concerns about the offensive line, you'd think Cerrato would be bringing in anyone who ever played tackle in an NFL, CFL, XFL, or UFL game for tryouts. There's got to be someone out there that could help. Heck, they have a guy on their developmental roster that's an offensive lineman. Maybe they should at least activate him to replace Thomas.

FEDEX FIELD, MD -- Anticipating a major outpouring of anger and anguish this Sunday afternoon at FEDEX Field, officials for the Washington Redskins today announced that they have procured the services of several thousand specially trained grief counselors who will be available to help angry and disillusioned fans deal with yet another loss in this lost season for Washington’s favorite football team.

The counselors will available throughout the stadium, and easy to spot by their distinctive black shirts, hats and jackets.

Said a team spokesman, “If you see someone dressed in black, you can be assured that you have found someone who understands your pain and can commiserate with your anger and disappointment.”

In other Redskin news, a team spokesman announced that Sunday will also see the debut of a line of team apparel, including a designer edition paper bag for fans to wear on their heads in shame, and several new maroon and black tee shirts embellished with such witticisms as “FU Dan” and “Fire Zorn.”

The official explained, “If you can’t beat them, join them. Besides, this could be downright lucrative for all concerned.”

Also this is from Adam Schefter:
6. Redskins turmoil: The anti-Eagles offense is the Redskins, which looks to be aging and regressing. A defensive coach from another team who played -- and studied -- the Redskins this season said Washington's offense is plain and simple. The coach said tight end Chris Cooley is the team's biggest offensive threat, and Washington doesn't use him as much as it should. The coach wondered about the condition of running back Clinton Portis, who has not gotten along well with head coach Jim Zorn. The coach wondered about the reasoning for some of the Redskins' play calls, which probably helps to explain why the team felt it needed to hire offensive consultant Sherman Lewis two weeks ago. None of this is overly surprising to anyone who has watched, but it's more evidence that the Redskins soon will be undergoing repairs.

I'm glad to see Tracee covering a true professionally managed pro team instead of this one. With draft picks for exactly the right positions coming into their own at exactly the right time. That used to be the case for this team under Joe Gibbs back-in-the-day. But now first with the son-of-Cook and then Rockville's own Snidely the Owl ... well ... its a circus.

We have to take 2 tackles in the draft this year. We can hopefully get one of the elite left tackles Okung or Williams in the first round. Hopefully we can get a good right tackle in the second. I'd like to get a center too in the fourth. We could move BMW to guard permenantly and take guards in 2011.

Once again, it would behoove the people accusing DHall of risky "feast or famine" coverage style to present some actual evidence of him taking dumb risks and getting badly beat in coverage.

Posted by: p1funk | October 16, 2009 11:10 AM

How About Mario Manningham's 19.8 (!) ypc average in week one. That was D.Hall's man. That a good enough example?

Or should I mention Steve Smith's 13.0 ypc average last week?

Or Antonio Bryant's 11.0 YPC average the week before?

He did fairly well against C. Johnson, holding him to only 9.8 ypc...

K. Burton is listed as the Rams #1 receiver, but I'm not sure if he was during the skins game so I'll let that one slide (19.0 YPC Average)

I will admit that none of those receivers had over 100 yards (but only two of those opposing QB's cracked 200 yards passing on the day TOTAL). That being said, on average every catch D.Hall gives up is at or beyond the first down marker. That is not acceptable of a #1 corner making 55mil. Especially when you add in that he can't tackle to save his life.

Posted by: ecale25 | October 16, 2009 12:11 PM | Report abuse

No your examples are not good enough.

You dug up YPC numbers with absolutely no evidence that they should be attributed solely to DHAll's "feast or famine" coverage skills except for claiming "that was his man".

Manningham was not DHall's man - at least not all game, and wasn't DHall's man on the TD. Manningham was Fred Smoot's man on that play.

Besides, getting some completions on a DB - even if they are past 10 yards is simply not evidence of "feast or famine" coverage skills.

The criticm about DHall is that he plays risky, goes for the big play and then gets burned. I have yet to see that happen.

Sometimes a DB gets beat. Even Champ Bailey gets beat. Even Deion Sanders got beat. Sometimes the right play is called and the QB and WR just click and even good coverage can't do the trick.

The seahawk game last year or the second eagles game, hall got burned 2 or 3 times. but the WR didnt make the catch. One was for a TD. I think it was the ealges game. Not sure if he was "taking risks" when he got burned, but he got torched! I know, you cant argue with this definitive evidence! Its thoroughly researchded!

Russell Okung or Trent Williams. I'm playing devil's advocate here. How do these two compare to other recent 1st round OL? Are they going to be good or great OL? I saw Okung against A&M. He completely got burned on a speed rush by Von Miller who caused a sack fumble. Now no one wins all battles, but I'd like some way to project how they will be in the NFL.

With all the issues on the line, they're going to have to do more than just address it in the draft.

I definitely think they need to draft Russell Okung or Trent Williams in the first round, but they'll also need to look at free agency for a quality starter or two.

Anyone know where to find a list of potential free agents?

Posted by: dfbovey | October 16, 2009 3:39 PM | Report abuse

It may actually work out. If we can get one of the elite left tackles in the first round. The right tackles are projected for the second round. The centers a re mostly projected for the 4th round. If we land all 3 we can move BMW to the right guard spot.

Slightly off topic, but the reference to Jarmon made me write this. Call me crazy, but I just don't think Orakpo is a linebacker. I think that someday, after Daniels retires and Carter somehow moves on, our DEs should be Jarmon and Orakpo. I can understand, I guess, why Orkapo's playing LB right now, but he gets torched quite a bit (understandable since it's a new position for him), and any play in which he doesn't have two hands down is just taking away from his primary talent, which is rushing the passer, if you ask me. Considering how desparate the Skins have been for a legit rusher since, oh, the days of Manley and Mann (with apologies to Bruce Smith and a couple of others over the years), I not sure I really want to see Orakpo out in coverage anymore.

Russell Okung or Trent Williams. I'm playing devil's advocate here. How do these two compare to other recent 1st round OL? Are they going to be good or great OL? I saw Okung against A&M. He completely got burned on a speed rush by Von Miller who caused a sack fumble. Now no one wins all battles, but I'd like some way to project how they will be in the NFL.

Posted by: TWISI | October 16, 2009 3:48 PM | Report abuse

___________

Every thing I've read from draft experts so far have both of them going in the top 10, and say they are elite prospects. I haven't seen them play much myself.

The seahawk game last year or the second eagles game, hall got burned 2 or 3 times. but the WR didnt make the catch. One was for a TD. I think it was the ealges game. Not sure if he was "taking risks" when he got burned, but he got torched! I know, you cant argue with this definitive evidence! Its thoroughly researchded!

Russell Okung or Trent Williams. I'm playing devil's advocate here. How do these two compare to other recent 1st round OL? Are they going to be good or great OL? I saw Okung against A&M. He completely got burned on a speed rush by Von Miller who caused a sack fumble. Now no one wins all battles, but I'd like some way to project how they will be in the NFL.

Posted by: TWISI | October 16, 2009 3:48 PM | Report abuse

Okung's scouting reports are pretty good. He is compared to Joe Thomas and projected to be a pro bowler and worthy of the #1 overall pick.

I don't think you can rebuild a line in one year. I'd start from the outside and then move in. Draft Okung in the first round, see if you can pick up a younger guy like Barron in free agency. If Samuels happens to stick around, move him to RT for a year and put the resources you'd spend looking for a RT on RG instead. Then use the 2011 first or second round pick on a RT. That would be my plan.

yeah, red, bigger the better, we need to get up there with some of the bigger OL's in the league...maulers, and brawlers, all guys 320 and up across the line, sign 2 OL of that list, draft a LT, with the #1, and draft a RB with the 2nd....

I don't think you can rebuild a line in one year. I'd start from the outside and then move in. Draft Okung in the first round, see if you can pick up a younger guy like Barron in free agency. If Samuels happens to stick around, move him to RT for a year and put the resources you'd spend looking for a RT on RG instead. Then use the 2011 first or second round pick on a RT. That would be my plan.

Posted by: dfbovey | October 16, 2009 4:08 PM | Report abuse

That guy from Texas Adam Ulatoski is projected as a second rounder. I'd take him in a heart beat.

That guy from Texas Adam Ulatoski is projected as a second rounder. I'd take him in a heart beat.

Posted by: PAskinsfan17 | October 16, 2009 4:19 PM | Report abuse

_________

Wouldn't mind that. I'm tempering my expectations though, because I don't trust this front office to draft multiple offensive linemen on the first day of the draft. Especially with the way they went after Cutler and Sanchez. My gut at this point is hoping they'll go LT round one, but think they'll also draft a QB in the 2nd. OR possibly the other way around.

I could easily see them drafting either Jevan Snead or Colt McCoy in the 2nd if they slide that far.

The defense hasn't played to its capability. Its playing well, but it can be significantly better. Especially if Orakpo develops and Tryon plays well as a 3rd DB.

If the defense plays up to its ability, we're competitive in most every game.

The special teams have been adequate. One huge muckup last week and 1 long KO return. We did score a TD on teams and have missed just 1 kick. We're holding our own on teams.

Which leaves the offense. Campbell is about middle of the league in QB rating. Cooley, Moss and ARE have all shown they can contribute significantly. Our run game looks weak, but a good part of that is our OL.

Its really about the OL. Can we make it adequate? Well, YES. There are guys out there.

Would I take Heyer and Runyan at T, Dock and Kendall at G and Rabach at C? Yes!!! World beater? No. Good enough for Campbell to find his receivers? Yes!! Good enough to open a few more holes for the RBs? Yes!!

Good enough to have fewer sacks and more points? Yes!!!

Thing is, if the front office wants this team to be better, they can make that happen.

Wouldn't mind that. I'm tempering my expectations though, because I don't trust this front office to draft multiple offensive linemen on the first day of the draft. Especially with the way they went after Cutler and Sanchez. My gut at this point is hoping they'll go LT round one, but think they'll also draft a QB in the 2nd. OR possibly the other way around.

I could easily see them drafting either Jevan Snead or Colt McCoy in the 2nd if they slide that far.

Posted by: dfbovey | October 16, 2009 4:28 PM | Report abuse

Haha, I've been saying all week we're taking Tebow in the first round.